The recruiting battle for Ankeny Centennial wrestling star Max Dhabolt has come to an end.
Dhabolt, a 175-pound junior, has verbally committed to Iowa State. He will follow in the footsteps of senior teammate Cale Vandermark, who signed a letter of intent with the Cyclones in November.
Dhabolt was pursued by some of the nation’s top collegiate programs.
“I visited Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Iowa and Iowa State,” said Dhabolt. “The reason I picked ISU is because I loved the way they trained, and I felt I fit there the best.”
Dhabolt became the first boys’ state champion in Centennial history a year ago, when he posted a 33-1 record at 157. He capped off an historic season by posting a 7-2 victory over Bas Diaz of Waverly-Shell Rock in the Class 3A title match.
Dhabolt did not give up a takedown all season until his quarterfinal match at the state tournament. His only loss as a sophomore came by injury default during a dual meet against Southeast Polk.
As a freshman, Dhabolt went 35-3 and placed third at 144. He helped the Jaguars to a fourth-place finish–matching the highest finish in school history–and also helped the team to a fifth-place finish in the Class 3A state duals.
Dhabolt entered this season with a 68-4 career mark, but has wrestled only one match due to an injury. He recorded a fall during the Jaguars’ season opener at Waukee Northwest on Dec. 4.
Dhabolt is expected to return to the lineup sometime later this month.